"The greatest danger, of course, was to believe that I was equal to them, because assurance can morph into arrogance that Death loves to prove unfounded." ― Dean Koontz
Luffy had got the confirmation he needed from Nami, and so he would do as she asked.
"Do you want to hear the whole story?" She sighed but Luffy pushed himself away from the railing a small smile on his face.
"Nope, I said I wasn't interested and I meant it. Just show me where to go and I'll fight whatever or whoever is hurting you." He laughed to himself and Nami smiled at him shaking her head.
"I need to get back to my village as soon as possible…" She knew there wasn't much time left.
"Tomorrow take the Merry we'll meet you there." Luffy knew that Zoro's friends had a small ship so they could get him there just as fast.
"But you don't know where to go, idiot." Turning away from the water Nami pulled out a rolled up wanted poster, and showed it to Luffy.
"This is Arlong, those friends of Zoro's, Johnny and Yosaku; they're bounty hunters they should know where he is." Nami knew Luffy would find his way to her village regardless, but giving him a hint to find it would be better than him and Zoro going in circles while she wasn't there.
"Right I'll give this to them." He rolled it back up and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day…" Luffy said softly jumping from Merry onto the deck of the Baratie.
"Interesting, that's a great way of putting it." She sighed joining him as both went their separate ways into their own rooms.
"What were you doing out there all alone with the beautiful Nami-swan?!" Sanji growled once Luffy was in his room.
"Talking." Simple because that was all he was doing.
"Luffy.." Sanji said his friend name through gritted teeth as Luffy ignored him heading to the same place he had slept years ago.
"I'm tired can we do this tomorrow." He whined, and Sanji closed his eyes taking a deep breath.
"Fine, but you're getting up early with me shit head." He would interrogate the kid tomorrow morning while making breakfast. Sanji, like many who had met the boy, knew full well that Luffy could be bribed with food.
"Fine." As soon as Luffy's head hit his pillow he was out like a light.
"Haven't changed a bit have you shit head?" Sanji smiled getting into his own bed, but it was relieving to know that Luffy even after all these years was still the same meat loving kid he had met.
"G'night." He whispered before rolling over getting no answer, but snores in return.
When morning came Luffy didn't complain getting up to watch Sanji cook breakfast for the restaurant.
"When can I eat.." He mumbled to himself rubbing his eyes, and yawning.
"When prep's finished, the restaurant comes first then we can eat." Sanji said peeling more potatoes swiftly.
"Ehh, but I'm hungry now." He whined some more hoping Sanji would give in to him, and feed the loud whiner.
"Here eat this." Zeff had entered the kitchen and threw an apple Luffy's way.
"That won't fill me up at all." Luffy said taking a bite and Zeff laughed to himself.
"I don't expect it to; I just want you to stop whining. I've got enough to deal with this kid around." Zeff said looking towards Sanji who had a tick appear on his head.
"Shut it you shitty old man." Sanji grumbled out, but his words were almost spoken out of habit.
The exchange between Sanji and Zeff reminded Luffy so much of home he couldn't help, but smile at them.
"What's with that look brat?" Zeff asked Luffy who stood up, then stole half the plate of bacon before grinning back at them.
"You guys just remind me of home." Swallowing all the pieces quickly before Sanji and the other chef's yelled at him Luffy took off to find Zoro and the others.
"Damn brat giving us more work to do." Zeff smiled and Sanji sighed placing more strips of bacon back on the pan.
"Nothing new, he's still the same shitty bastard he was last time we saw him."
Breakfast had rolled around, and the place was filled.
"Hey Luffy, why is your chef friend helping out in the front if he's a cook?" Usopp asked pointing towards Sanji who was bringing people food and drinks.
"Ah, from what I remember this place can get a bit rowdy so a lot of the waiters quit." Luffy said remembering how a few waiters walked out when he came a few years ago.
"So we get dinner, and a show here. Not a bad deal." Zoro grinned leaning back in his chair.
"Well it's no wonder; this place is really close to the Grand Line. People probably stop here before going over to that sea." Nami said, and Luffy nodded his head but wasn't really listening.
"Waiter!" A man called and Sanji turned and looking in direction a brow raised at him. Luffy thought he recognized the man calling Sanji, but then again he wasn't sure either. Sighing Sanji walked over to the man who was holding his wine up, and smelling it with a look of glee on his face.
"Yes?" Sanji asked- this guy wasn't a lady so he saw no need to be formal with him. The man went on to describe the wine Sanji had given him only a few moments earlier asking if it was a famous brand and Sanji almost rolled his eyes.
"No, you're not even close, eat up this dish, its best when it's hot." Sanji said forcing a spoon into the man's hand as the restaurant began laughing at the man who had just been humiliated.
"What were you saying about dinner and a show?" Nami snickered, even Zoro couldn't fight off a small smile at the marine's poor fortune.
Sanji began to walk away before stopping, and turning back at the man glaring slightly.
"Sir, also my name is Sanji I'm the sous-chef all the waiters ran off, and our volunteer is sitting on his ass eating more of our food." Sanji felt ticks appearing on his head as Luffy was stuffing his face some more.
Even though Luffy was stuffing his face with the breakfast Zoro and the others had on their table he couldn't stop his eyes from watching what the weird man was going to do next. He could see that the guy was angry after being humiliated, but would he make a bigger fool of himself over one person's words? Luffy then let his eyes drift over to Sanji curious as to what he might do if this guy flew off the handle.
"Hey waiter!" The man shouted again, and Sanji gritted his teeth at being shouted at by some guy.
"What now?" He asked his tone clearly said he was annoyed.
"How can you expect me to eat this garbage!? There's a bug in my soup!" He shouted showing Sanji the soup that did in fact hold a bug floating in it. Sanji sighed shaking his head, and removing the bug before turning to the lady beside him.
"I'm so sorry my lady; to have a date like him must truly be embarrassing." Sanji said sadly placing his hand on hers causing her to giggle, and others to snicker at the scene. The man stood up, then smashed the table in breaking all of the dishes and destroying the food that was in them. Everyone could feel the air in the room change as Sanji kneeled down to pick up a piece of glass staring at it and the mess on the floor.
"If you had just picked out the bug it would have still be good. I spent three whole days and nights working on this soup with care, and now because of you shit head it's been wasted." Sanji's voice took on a deadly coolness that threatened any around him. Luffy didn't smile at the scene, but took on his poker face, and stopped eating altogether. Luffy had learned from a very early age that wasting food was a sin on any ship, food was hard to come by when you're sailing away from islands, and hunger doesn't care how many people need to eat. What this man has done would have earned him a beating followed closely by a salt water bath had Thatch been here to see this.
The man not understanding the danger he was in decided to mock Sanji on his customer service by stepping on his hand, and squishing his foot to add more pressure. He mocked Sanji some more, but the blond didn't even flinch, because he was so mad, only when the beautiful lady tried to interfere did Sanji look up. The man had thrown the lady back away from him knocking her over and that was the last straw for him.
"Can money fill your stomach?" Sanji asked in a deadly whisper, and the man just stared confused.
"Can money fill your stomach?!" Sanji repeated, but his calmness was fading as shadows took over his face, and before anyone knew it he was up and moving. Sanji dropped to his hands, and used his strong legs to teach this marine a lesson. This was the first time Luffy had seen Sanji fight so his poker face broke, and a huge grin took over in its place.
Sanji grabbed the bleeding man from the floor, and held him up to his eyes level to speak to him fully.
"Don't go ruining a good dish. Messing with a chef of the sea is a pretty good, and easy way to get yourself killed." Sanji said before dropping him into the mess on the floor and walking away.
"Are you sure about this guy Luffy?" Zoro asked not impressed with the show like Luffy was.
"Yup, he's the only one who will cook for our crew." Luffy said seriously, but the grin on his face and the way he was vibrating in excitement was showing his true emotions-Luffy thought Sanji looked cool enough to be one of them.
Zeff came down from the kitchens along with many of the other chefs to see what was going on.
"Sanji! Don't you get it, customers are kings!" A large man with bulky arms shouted as Zeff walked towards Sanji and the man
"Patty, Sanji, if you wish to fight please do it elsewhere." Zeff then looked towards the mess while walking towards Sanji "And what is the meaning of this Sanji?" Zeff asked staring down at the bloody marine who was beginning to get back on his feet.
"He wasted food." Sanji simply said as Patty let him go. Zeff closed his eyes before bringing his peg leg up, and kicking Sanji over the head knocking him to the ground.
"So you thought it was a good idea to teach him a lesson then, eh?" Zeff asked Sanji who was growling on the floor up at Zeff as Full Body got back up grinning in triumph over Sanji.
"You see, that's what customer service really is." He snarled down at Sanji who just glared as Zeff kicked Full Body as well.
"What the hell is wrong with you people!?" He shouted at Zeff who just gave him a dirty look.
"That's for wasting food in my restaurant now get out!" He shouted at the marine who was ready to run off the ship when the front doors were slammed open. A man who looked pale, and thin walked in carefully as if he wasn't about to fall over from exhaustion, and what appeared to be starvation.
"It looks like another customer has arrived." Patty said staring at the man, and even Sanji was giving him a look, but instead of anger it was almost a look of pity.
The man sat down in one of the chairs his face thin, and his stomach growling in agony.
"I don't care what it is just bring me food right now." He called out to whoever was listening Patty welcomed him in a polite way, but Sanji knew Patty well enough now to know it was a false kindness.
"Do you have any money to pay for this meal shit customer?" Patty asked him, and the man pulled a gun from his cloths pointing it at Patty.
"How about a bullet through the head?" He said in anger but Patty wasn't afraid.
"If you don't have any money then you're not welcome to eat here! Go starve somewhere else!" Patty then threw the man out of the restaurant leaving a relieved amount of people that the bad scary pirate had been dealt with.
Luffy watched as Sanji turned, and silently left the dining room towards the kitchen, and smiled knowing Zeff had seen the same thing. He wanted to follow Sanji, but that feeling of familiarity was returning full force, whoever was coming towards him was almost here, and a whole lot of trouble would happen right afterwards.
"Nami." Though Luffy said her name neither looked at one another.
"Mn." She knew he was giving her the chance to leave soon but the timing felt off.
"Someone's coming, and when they get here I want you to go." He said slowly ignoring Zoro's eyes watching the two of them.
"Who is it?" Nami asked quietly but Luffy shook his head not knowing quite yet himself.
"Dunno just do what you have to." She nodded understanding as Luffy stood up and walked towards the kitchens hoping to find Sanji, and see what he was going to do about that hungry guy.
"Eh I missed him…" Leaving the kitchen Luffy went outside to check on the weird guy instead only to see Sanji place some food down in front of him. The guy refused the food only for Sanji to give him some good advice to keep living. The things Luffy saw here was the reason he had chosen Sanji to be his cook, Sanji had heart, and that was something Luffy respected in a person.
"You're lucky you know, if Sanji hadn't fed you you'd probably be dead." Luffy said not sugar coating his words as the man was sitting up from his deep bow to Sanji.
"You two know each other?" The man asked, and Luffy nodded excitedly.
"Sanji's my cook on my crew." Sanji felt a tick appear on his head.
"Don't make shit up Luffy." He sighed, but was flattered that Luffy wanted him, but his responsibility to this restaurant was more important than his dream.
"I'm not I already decided." All Sanji did was shake his head knowing that he would be arguing with Luffy until the sun went down if he got into a fight right now.
"So you're a pirate?" The guy asked, and Luffy laughed loudly.
"Of course." There was nothing in this world Luffy would ever want to be.
"So you really did set out on your own this time." Sanji said, and Luffy pouted slightly.
"Haven't you been listening to me? You're going to be the cook on my ship!" Luffy shouted, but Sanji interrupted him.
"Later Luffy." Because later he would put the kid in his place if he continued to pressure him like that.
"Sorry to interrupt but my name is Gin and I'm a member of Don Krieg's pirate fleet." Gin said bowing again, and Luffy closed his eyes wishing he had spent more time with Haruta learning about the rival pirates. Then again even if he had spent more time with her he still probably wouldn't know any of them either way.
"I'm Luffy, and I'm going to be the Pirate King." He said giving his trademark smile.
"Pirate king? Does this mean you're heading towards the Grand Line?" Gin asked, but the man looked frightened.
"Mn, I have people waiting for me there." Honestly he couldn't wait to get back into home waters the East Blue was fun at first, but now it was getting boring.
"If I were you I'd avoid the place no matter if people are waiting for you there, or not." Gin recommended, but Luffy stopped smiling at that.
"Why? I know paradise is crazy but it can't be as bad as the New World…" Luffy tried to think back to the times he was in Paradise with his pops and truly didn't think it was as bad as Gin was saying.
"Paradise?! They call that place the pirate's graveyard!" Gin shouted at him, and Sanji felt like telling the man to save his breath with Luffy.
"Yeah only if you're weak." Gin didn't like hearing those words from Luffy especially since the kid said it with a smile.
"What happened?" Sanji asked lighting a new smoke.
"I-I don't even know. We were just getting in when this man came out of nowhere and began to slice everything! I didn't even think my captain would escape, but he did. The thought of going back and running into a monster than that man is terrifying!" Gin closed his eyes trying to block out those memories Sanji blew out some smoke his eyes drifted over to Luffy who was frowning.
"I must return to Don Krieg as soon as possible. Sanji, Luffy, thank you for everything it means a lot to me, and I hope we meet again someday." Gin said, and Luffy laughed softly waving goodbye to the man as he sailed away on a small boat.
"Luffy." Sanji was still staring towards the water. "Is the Grand Line that bad?" He had taken Gin's words seriously so Luffy thought about it for a moment.
"Hmmm, depends on who you run into I guess. There are a lot of strong people there, but that's why you should only go if you're strong otherwise someone stronger will wipe you out." Luffy said having seen his family take out newcomers quite often.
"Oi brats don't you have work to do?" Zeff was standing over the balcony looking down at them, but his eyes were turned on to the straw hat kid.
"Ehh, why do I have to work more?" Luffy asked and Zeff smiled.
"Because it was you who blew that hole through my roof." Zeff said, but Luffy knew that it was just a new joke for the old man to laugh at. Luffy grumbled about the extra work, but didn't say no as Sanji threw the empty dishes into the sea, and smirked at the old man who shook his head and headed back inside.
"Why'd you throw the dishes away?" He was confused on Sanji's actions.
"If there are no dishes then there is no proof that I fed Gin." It was as simple as that, but it was enough for Luffy to get it. The afternoon began to pass with Luffy helping the restaurant, and Nami preparing the Merry secretly.
Luffy was leaning back in a chair watching Sanji work since he had given up when his Observation Haki alerted him to something was coming.
"What's going on?" Sanji asked as Luffy silently got up, and looked out the restaurant at a broken ship approaching them. Everyone followed him to see what was happening that's when many began to shake in fear knowing already who was at their front door, Sanji, and Zeff just stared up at the ship a look of annoyance on both of their faces.
Luffy started to look closely at the ship his eyes widening when he realized he recognized just what had happened to that poor thing.
"Of all the people you guys ran into him…" Luffy whispered recognizing his uncle's work from training with him.
"It doesn't seem like the damage was from cannons…" Sanji said trying to see why Luffy had gone silent which was rare.
"It's not, and if they're still alive…" Luffy felt like turning away knowing that his Uncle didn't let his prey leave him alive. Realization hit him then, and the feeling he recognized for the past day, and a half became clear, his uncle was on his way to finish off this ship.
A man in armor stepped forward on the ship, but his appearance was pale, and thin showing he hadn't eaten in many days. Mildly to Sanji and Luffy's surprise Gin was supporting the man into the place so they guessed this must be his captain. The man begged for food which many of the people protested about. No one wanted the guy to have enough strength to get back on his feet, and kill everyone.
"Luffy, just how strong are you?" Sanji whispered to Luffy who was giving a blank face at the scene.
"I'm strong. I've faced people must stronger than these guys back home." The guy also looked too weak to fight, and Luffy wasn't one for taking advantage of people at their weakest.
"So if something happens?" Sanji needed to know if Luffy would help defend their ship.
"You guys are my friends, and no one hurts my friends, and gets away with it." Luffy clarified, and Sanji nodded understanding that Luffy would help.
The man was begging, and even though Sanji had the feeling that something was going to happen he went, and grabbed some food, and wine for the man. Placing the things in front of Gin, and his Captain he couldn't help but smile, Gin felt like crying in gratitude towards the chef who had been so kind to him. Krieg thanked Sanji as he stuffed the food in his mouth not even bothering with a fork he was so starved.
One of the chefs went running past Luffy towards Sanji shouting things asking Sanji if he knew who this man was. He stated that the guy starving was the ruler of the East Blue one of the strongest pirates around. Luffy looked closer at the man, and shook his head almost laughing at that statement. Strongest of the pirates? These people must never have met his pops, and siblings before. The chef went on to tell all of the bad things this guy had done, and even Luffy had to admit they were pretty bad. Just as Luffy was deciding he really didn't like this guy Krieg got up, and knocked Sanji off his feet ensuring Luffy's dislike towards him.
Gin shouted at Kreig, but the man broke his arm once he stood up. People like Krieg really pissed Luffy off, just like that cat guy what's-his-name, this guy didn't deserve to be a captain of any crew.
"This is a pretty nice ship; I think I'll take it from you people." He said looking around "On my ship there are about a hundred men who are starving, if you value your lives make something for them to eat then get the hell off this ship." He said as Gin was begging him not to do anything. Sanji was getting up slowly the attack knocked the breath out of him since he wasn't expecting it, though really he should have been. Once he was able to get back up on his feet Sanji turned towards the kitchens to make the meals ordered to him.
"Sanji?" Luffy was considering kicking this guy's butt but wanted to wait for Sanji to ask first.
"These orders aren't going to make themselves, once they're finished do as you like." Sanji said to Luffy then finished walking towards the kitchen.
"That's what I wanted to hear."
The chef, Patty wasn't so open to helping the pirates, and made that clear by pulling out a large gun and shooting a canon at the pirate captain sending him backwards. Luffy was stunned on what was going on, but the excitement in the air was something he hadn't felt since he was back home. Don Krieg got back up rather quickly, and began to shoot the chefs with guns underneath his shoulder armour. Krieg then shouted at them that they should follow his orders, and never to disobey him, of course the chefs were ready to stand back up, and fight again when Zeff dropped a large bag of food in front of the man.
"Take your orders and get out." He said as many chefs yelled to him.
"You're Red Foot Zeff…" Krieg said and Zeff just stared at him. Luffy was looking at the old guy now curious on who he was.
The chefs were shouting at Zeff, but the old man just walked away before turning back to look at him.
"You want this restaurant fine, but tell me do your men have the will left to fight? Did your will survive your defeat?" Zeff asked him and many turned to look at Krieg now in shock at the knowledge that he was defeated. One of them was talking about how Krieg who had a fleet of fifty ships couldn't make it on the Grand Line without having to turn back.
"The Grand Line? So this guy really did get chased out of paradise by Uncle…" Luffy closed his eyes knowing soon enough Hawkie would be here soon to finish the job.
During Luffy's musings Krieg started to tell the tale of Zeff and the rumors that came along with him.
"Enough chit chat here, what do you want from me?" Zeff asked bring Luffy back to the conversation.
"Red Foot Zeff, you survived the merciless waters of the Grand Line for an entire year. I want your captain's log on how you did it." Krieg said a shadow over his face showing he was going to try, and take that log no matter what.
"What an idiot." Luffy said suddenly causing the man to turn his eyes towards Luffy who had his hands behind his head, and eyes closed.
"What was that brat?" Krieg growled towards Luffy who opened an eye to look at him.
"You're an idiot. You failed in the first waters of paradise, even with that log thingy do you really think you'd get far?" Luffy asked him which shocked a few people on who Luffy was talking to this pirate.
"Oi don't you know who this guy is?" One person shouted at Luffy who shrugged.
"Why should I care?" Luffy was bored and now hungry, maybe the old man left some extra food in the back for him.
"What do you know of the Grand Line brat!?" With that shout Sanji felt like laughing.
"So far more than you do, do you really think the guy who turned your ship into firewood is really going to just let you go?" Luffy asked his voice a deadly softness to it. "Just saying."
"You know nothing boy! I only failed because I didn't have enough information! But now I can fix all of that. Once I have your log book I will form another fleet, and seize the legendary treasure becoming the Pirate King!" Krieg said as Luffy's brow twitched in annoyance.
"No way, I'm the one who will be the Pirate King!"
"I won't allow such a brat to talk to me like that, this isn't a game kid." Krieg said anger building even more now that this kid wouldn't stop butting in.
"Yeah I know I'm still going to be the one who will conquer the Grand Line." Luffy said cockily to the man whose anger was bursting over now.
"No you won't! We didn't have the right information, but my fleet of 5000 men were wiped out in only 7 days you brat! That sea is just plain hell!" Krieg shouted at Luffy, and even Zeff had to fight off the smirk Sanji was sporting.
"Hell is it? Well that's just fine for me." Luffy said thinking about how much he missed home waters.
"Unlike you I don't find anything you're saying to be funny. If you keep talking kid I'll crush you right here and now." Krieg said, and Luffy grabbed his arm showing he was ready to fight.
"Go ahead if you want, unlike you I've lasted more than 7 days in Paradise." He had to get in a few more jabs at the man's pride.
"You know it would be my pleasure to send you to an early grave." Krieg threatened. Sanji moved towards Zeff, and whispered to him something that caused the smile he had been fighting off.
"Think we should tell this guy whose crew Luffy comes from?" Sanji asked and Zeff shook his head.
"Why don't we keep that little bit of information to ourselves for now." Even if Krieg made it through paradise if word ever reached that Emperor's crew that Luffy had been threatened, no matter the number, Krieg's crew would have been destroyed.
"Luffy, we don't have all day to play with weaklings like him." Luffy didn't have to turn around to know Zoro was there with Usopp who surprisingly stood tall beside the swordsman.
"It's not like these guys could touch Luffy either way." Usopp said bringing a larger smile to Luffy's face not because of the complement, but because Luffy could hear the quiver of fear in his sniper's voice.
"Hey guys, Thatch said it's rude not to listen to people who challenge you even if they're weak." Luffy said looking back at his friends.
"Are those two people apart of your crew? What a small group you guy's would never make it on the Grand Line." Krieg laughed which was beginning to annoy Luffy with all this never make it talk.
"They're not all; I still have two other members!" He said holding up two fingers towards Kreig as Sanji shouted at him.
Krieg looked down at Luffy, and Zeff before picking up his bag of food, and making his way out of the ship not before giving the group his warning to leave or die. Once he left, Luffy turned to look at Zeff hoping to get the old man to understand what was going to happen.
"I don't like getting involved in things like this." Luffy began as Usopp shouted at him saying he got involved in this stuff all the time. "But I can't leave things as they are. I'm stronger than that guy so there's nothing to worry about if you just let me kick his ass." Luffy said to Zeff his face serious but almost blank.
"Kid you're brave I'll give you that, but what makes you think you stand a chance against Don Krieg?" Patty shouted at Luffy but Zeff placed a hand on the chef's shoulder stopping him.
"If anyone stands a chance against Kreig it would be you boy, if one of Whitebeard's sons can't stop him no one can." Zeff turned away leaving a bunch of people staring at Luffy funny and even a few dropped jaws.
"Even if you…you…you're one of his sons how can you actually stop him by yourself!" A chef shouted in fear
"I've been fighting pirates since...I dunno, I was ten maybe twelve?" It didn't matter really to Luffy though "That guy's only strong, because he has a lot of people, but if the people are weak does it matter the number?" Pops had a lot of sons, but each and every one of them could kick ass on any given day.
"Oi old man, don't tell Pops, and Ma what's going on." He really didn't feel like dealing with home again just yet.
"Wasn't planning on it brat." Zeff said sitting down in a chair Luffy walked up to him, and squatted down to look at him.
"There's something I want to try on those guys, but I need you to keep your friends away from me while I do it." Zeff raised a brow at him telling him to explain.
"Sometimes when I'm mad at people something happens, and they end up falling asleep." He said thinking back to the times he used his weird feeling.
"That sounds like Haki." Zeff was no stranger to Haki he had been to the New World a few times.
"Right that's what Ma called it! But it's not like my other Haki abilities. I want to try, and use that one on them, but I don't know if I can." Luffy had only been able to randomly use that Haki it was so unpredictable that he was taking a risk even mentioning it.
"And if it doesn't work?" Zeff asked.
"Then I'll still kick all their asses either way." While Luffy, and Zeff were having their quiet conversation the chefs were getting worked up grabbing weapons, and knives to help defend the restaurant alongside Luffy.
"Kid I don't care whose son you are if you're going to fight to protect this place then we'll help you." They said and Luffy smiled at them nodding.
Zoro and Usopp looked down at Luffy a grin on their faces at the way he was handling himself in this situation. All was starting to feel normal when Johnny and Yosaku barged into the place freaking out.
"What's going on?" Zoro asked them walking towards them.
"It's Nami-sis! She's taken off with the ship and the treasure!" Usopp paled and Zoro gritted his teeth at the news.
"What?! How dare she?!" Usopp growled since that ship was a gift from Kaya.
"Luffy did you hear?" Zoro asked his captain who didn't seem to react at all.
"Yeah I already know." He said shrugging causing the small group to look at him.
"What do you mean you know?" Zoro asked slowly.
"I told her to, she has something she needs to take care of so I told her to go on ahead." Zoro closed his eyes calming his nerves knowing that Nami hadn't betrayed them if Luffy ordered her to go on without them.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Usopp asked confused.
"It's been kinda busy here; I didn't really have much time." He said honestly then turned to Gin.
"I think I know what happened to you guys when you got to the Grand Line." Luffy said sadly to the man who was still on the floor shivering in fear.
"Do you because I still don't understand what happened. One man came out of nowhere is destroyed all of our ships like it was nothing! If a storm hadn't of happened he might have destroyed our flag ship as well. I just want to forget! It was like a terrible nightmare, his eyes were like a hawk's cold and murderous his gaze alone felt like we were all going to die!" Gin said which made Luffy feel pity for the man. Zoro was now gripping the railing to the stairs tightly knowing just who was being talked about.
"I'm sorry of all the people you could have run into it had to be him." Luffy remembered Mihawk's eyes all too well, and the fear they could bring if they were set upon you in anger, but mostly boredom.
"That can only be the one known as Hawk Eye; your description of him is dead on." Zeff said his gaze catching Luffy.
"You were a fool to think he'd just let you go." Luffy said walking out of the restaurant with Zoro following behind him.
"Hawk Eye Mihawk is the man I have been searching for." Zoro said to Luffy who nodded sensing Usopp right behind them.
"I know you want to meet him, but Nami is going to need our help, and I promised her I'd save her." Luffy turned to look at Zoro full on.
"I want you to take Johnny and Yosaku and go after her." He said then turned to Usopp.
"I have this, this is the one we will be dealing with next, I can't come yet since I have stuff to deal with here and need to get Sanji to officially join so go on without me."
"Alright, we'll go after her. You can count on us." Usopp said and Luffy thanked him smiling as Usopp ran off to get Johnny and Yosaku ready to go.
"Zoro…" The swordsman sighed but nodded.
"She's one of us." He said rubbing the back of his head in defeat.
"She needs us, all of us." Luffy smiled, but realized that the pirates on the other broken ship were beginning to freak out.
"What's their problem?" Luffy asked but a feeling he really didn't need hit him hard.
"Why now Uncle!" He growled under his breath causing Zoro to look at him funny.
"I can't believe he followed us all the way from the Grand Line!" Krieg shouted in fear and anger.
As a bunch of pirates began to shout battle cries ready to attack the restaurant a few slices were made along the ship breaking it into even more pieces. Everyone's eyes widened, but Luffy frowned at the man he loved like an uncle. Zoro was practically shaking from seeing the man he had sworn to defeat before him so soon. Luffy took off to try, and get as close as he could without him drowning in the sea to see his uncle, and maybe get him to go away now that he's finished cutting up that ship.
Zeff walked out beside Luffy at the ship's edge his eyes wide as he caught sight of the man who just cut that giant ship.
"That man is Hawk Eye" Zeff said confirming to Zoro that this was in fact the man he was looking for.
"Zoro…" Luffy said softly but his eyes never left Mihawk.
"Luffy, that's the man I've been looking for." Zoro's eyes were overshadowed as Luffy's own hat darkened his face. "You promised Luffy that you wouldn't get in the way of my ambition." Zoro said walking towards Mihawk who had sailed closer to the ships. Luffy didn't say anything, because Zoro was right he did promise not to get in his way.
"I've never seen a sword handled so gently, or with amazing grace." Zoro complimented Mihawk who turned his eyes towards Zoro.
"There's no grace in swords play based on force." He drawled out in a dry tone.
"Was it you who destroyed this ship?" Zoro asked, but Mihawk didn't even look at him.
"Then it is true, you're the best!" Zoro said the large grin on his face showing his excitement.
"I set sail with two reasons. The first was to find you and the second was to meet up with my captain." Zoro said touching his sword.
"And what is your goal then?" Mihawk asked.
"To beat you, and become the best." Mihawk could hear the determination behind this kid's voice, but determination was nothing without strength to back it up.
Zoro tied his bandana over his head showing Luffy he was serious as he pulled out his blade.
"You've got some spare time so let's do this." Zoro said smirking, but Mihawk turned his eyes towards another who was watching them carefully.
"Are you really going to let me kill one of your crewmates Luffy?" Mihawk asked stunning Zoro and everyone else who was now turning towards Luffy their mouths dropped or eyes wide.
"Yeah, I'd like you not to do that Uncle Hawkie." The chefs were all star-struck with the way Luffy was talking to Mihawk. Zeff laughed quietly knowing this kid had some sort of gift on how to get past people's defenses like this.
"You know from experience I don't show mercy to those who challenge me." Mihawk said to him and Luffy nodded remembering all the times his uncle tried to slice him to bits during his one week training.
Zoro had enough so he turned to Luffy in surprise and even anger for not knowing this information.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" He shouted as Luffy shrugged at him.
"It never really came up, and would it have changed anything?" Zoro would still go after Hawkie no matter what so the information wasn't really needed, also Luffy had forgotten all about his uncle for a while and focused on his new crew.
"Enough, are you here to challenge me or not?" Mihawk asked getting bored of this.
"Yeah I'm still calling you out, Mihawk." He said deciding to deal with Luffy later.
"If you truly are a competent swordsman then you should be able to tell the differences between our skills even before we cross blades, I do wish to know why you are challenging me. I know Luffy is a stubborn fool, but I expected better from his crewmates." Mihawk said looking Zoro over
"It is my ambition that drives me, that and a promise." Zoro said placing one of his swords in his mouth and the others in his hands ready to fight.
"You've begun to coat your blades in Armament." Mihawk said slightly impressed for a man from the East Blue.
"Luffy isn't the only strong one." He said, but Mihawk looked at him sternly if not in that same bored expression.
"Strength comes in many different forms, and while you have begun learning Haki can you use it to the best of its abilities?" He asked Zoro just positioned himself to fight.
Luffy knew Zoro was going to lose the moment he stepped forward in front of Mihawk. The only thing keeping him on that railing was the promise he had made with Zoro not to interfere with his dreams, even if it got him killed.
Mihawk pulled the cross from around his neck and shows that it was a small dagger pointing it at Zoro.
"What do you think you'll do with that?" Zoro asked shocked at the small blade.
"It will be more than enough for you I mean; would you really wish to kill a fly with a cannon?" Mihawk said. Luffy's eyes widened at the humility that was being given to Zoro, even when Luffy was being trained by Hawkie the black blade was used to attack him day and night.
"You may have a reputation here on the East Blue, but this sea is the weakest of them all isn't that right Luffy?" Mihawk asked but didn't turn his eyes away from Zoro.
"Mn…" Luffy whispered knowing full well how slow this sea was compared to the Grand Line.
"Unfortunately I don't carry any blade smaller than this one so it will have to do." He said causing Zoro to shake slightly in anger.
"I've had about enough of you, and your stupid attitude." Zoro shouted before moving into attack.
"You are still too small with no real idea how big this world really is." Mihawk said under his breath in what Luffy discovered might have been anger but it was the first time he had heard that tone come from his uncle.
Zoro's attack was easily stopped with that small blade even if the three of his were tipped in Haki Mihawk's skills was far more superior to Zoro's.
Luffy sat on the sidelines, but watched the battle carefully, but sitting out really hurt him, he wanted to help fight and protect his Nakama, but how can he do that if they didn't let him in.
The battle carried on but it wasn't much of a battle, while Zoro was strong now and he had been training Mihawk was New World strong and Zoro was barely first half of the Grand Line strong. It wasn't until Mihawk stabbed Zoro with his small dagger that Luffy stood up, and growled his protective nature telling him to fight.
"You have lost yet you won't step back why is that?" Mihawk asked the blade still in Zoro's chest.
"Because if I step back I will be shattering the promises I have made, and for that I will not run. I would lose my honour, and without that I would have absolutely nothing left." Zoro said keeping eye contact with Mihawk.
"But that is exactly what defeat is, losing your honour." Mihawk clarified for the boy.
"Then I won't accept that." He said stubbornly
"Then you shall die here." Mihawk was giving him an escape but this boy refused to move.
"I'd rather die than step away, and give up." Zoro said sternly Mihawk stared at him a little longer before removing the blade, and putting it away.
"What is your name?" Mihawk asked wanting to know just who this boy was that it caught the attention of his previous student.
"My name is Roronoa Zoro." He said as Mihawk pulled out the black blade.
"I shall remember that, it's been quite some time since I've run into someone with such a strong will. As a courtesy to your strength I shall use my black blade to take your life." Mihawk said showing the sword to Zoro.
"Thanks." He said simply before moving into attack with his strongest attack only for Mihawk to cut him down, and break his other two swords with the black blade. Putting his sacred sword away he turned to look at Mihawk and spread his arms out to the side baring his chest for the man.
"What are you doing?" Mihawk asked in slight surprise.
"Scars on the back are a swordsman's shame." Zoro said with a smile and Mihawk returned it.
"Perfect." He found this boy to be what he was looking for as he brought his black blade down Zoro's chest slicing him open for the whole to see. Luffy had enough coating his arm in haki he jumped at his uncle, past friendship, or not he was going to make him pay for hurting one of his Nakama.
Luffy's fist collided with Mihawk's blade stopping the rubber boy from moving forward.
"Why'd you kill him Uncle?" Luffy growled out as Mihawk pushed Luffy to the ground looking at him.
"Your friend isn't dead." He said simply allowing Luffy to stand up now that he knew Zoro was alive.
"But you don't let people go that challenge you." Luffy stated knowing his uncle and how he worked well.
"Luffy…" Before Mihawk could respond to the boy Luffy's attention was caught onto Zoro who had been placed into the ship Usopp and the others had ready to go after Nami.
"Zoro…" He called to his friend needing to hear he was really alive.
"It's still early for someone like you to die." Mihawk said his attention towards the small ship as well.
"My name is Hawk Eye Mihawk and though you are strong both you and your captain have much to learn. Grow together no matter how many years it will take I shall hold my title as the greatest swordsman. When the time comes I shall be waiting for you but until then become stronger, become worthy enough to face me Roronoa Zoro!" Mihawk then turned to Luffy looking at him carefully seeing how the boy had changed from when he was fourteen.
"Do you still carry that same goal after all these years Luffy?" Mihawk asked and Luffy nodded.
"I will become the Pirate King." He said and Mihawk smirked at him.
"That may be harder to achieve than your friends goal." He said and Luffy stuck his tongue out at his uncle.
"Who cares it's my dream and I'll make it real!" Luffy said to his uncle who nodded at the boy captain.
"Your family has raised you well Luffy, you and that boy make a good team. I'll be sure to pass that on to your old man and Mother." Mihawk said having had enough fun for that day and was ready to return to the Grand Line.
Luffy looked back towards Zoro not having heard from him yet only to see a sword being held up to the sky.
"Can you hear me Luffy?" Zoro choked out, and Luffy shouted back at him letting him know his voice had been heard loud and clear.
"I'm sorry I failed you, as your first mate, and right hand man I can't afford to be this weak." Zoro got out, but he was breathing hard. Luffy felt like smacking him for those words, but let his friend finish.
"I swear to you Luffy, from this day forward I will never lose again!" Zoro called out, and Luffy could hear the tears in his voice "Do you have any problems with that? Pirate king?!" Sighing then grinning his large smile Luffy chirped out a nope. Zoro would live, and Mihawk would have a story to worry his Ma with, but for now all was going to be okay.
Hello everyone! So this is a huge chapter! (Or at least in my eyes it was) I wanted to stuff so much in so I hope it all worked out. I hope the return of Mihawk was good for everyone :D Uncle Hawkie taught Zoro a valuable lesson. I will zoom through Kreig because he never really interested me –hence the future use (or failure) of the third haki coming up-. Any ways I'm leaving at 3 am tonight to New Brunswick so I won't be writing until I get back on the 10th but then I need a day or 2 to unwind :) Also my little brother just broke his ankle so it appears he will be taking a trip to the hospital shortly as well -; . Anyways I hope you all enjoy the chapter I had fun writing it! Keep well and see you when I'm back! DR
